Franking Commission

Third Quarter Mass Mailings & Mass Communications Reports Due October 14th!

All House offices are reminded that the Third Quarter Mass Mailings & Mass Communications Reports for 2011 are due on October 14, 2011. Information from the reports, which detail the total number and cost of unsolicited mass mailings and mass communications sent during the quarter, will be published in the Quarterly Statement of Disbursements of the House.

Please note that all offices, regardless of whether or not they sent any mass mailings or mass communications during the quarter, must submit the reports to the CAO’s Office of Financial Solutions no later than October 14, 2011, to be in compliance with the applicable law.

Reminder: Mass Mailings to Residents in Newly Drawn Congressional Districts Are Prohibited

With redistricting in many states well under way, the Committee would like to remind you about regulations pertaining to mass communications to residents in newly drawn congressional districts.

According to a 1992 court ruling, Members of Congress are prohibited from sending unsolicited franked mass mailings to residents in newly redistricted areas unless the residents are located in the current district.  Additionally, in keeping with the spirit of the law, Members of Congress should not send other forms of  mass communications outside the district they currently represent.   However, Members are free to respond to letters and other communications on legislative issues received from residents outside of their district. Also, unsolicited communications to the media and communications to local, state, and federal elected officials are permissible.

If you have any questions regarding regulations pertaining to mass communications, please contact the Franking Commission staff at 6-0647.